Rivals agree on Olympics snub

All three candidates trying to replace President Bush now generally agree on something: unless China significantly changes its behavior, the U.S. president should not attend the opening ceremonies of the Olympics in Beijing this summer.

In an interview with Tribune-owned WGN and CLTV television stations, Sen. Barack Obama said Thursday that it would be an "appropriate step" for Bush to skip the opening ceremonies in protest of China's policies.

"China clearly has not upheld the kinds of human rights that we would expect from such a major actor on the world stage," he said.

Between campaign stops in northwest Indiana, Obama said having the president bypass the Games would be a way for the nation to "register our disappointment with what's happening in Tibet and China's lack of vigorous action on Sudan."

Sen. John McCain, meanwhile, sought to suggest that Bush should take a harder line against the Chinese government and its oppressive treatment of Tibet.

In a statement, the presumptive GOP nominee said he respects British Prime Minister Gordon Brown's decision not to attend the opening ceremonies.

"President Bush should evaluate his participation in the ceremonies surrounding the Olympics and, based on Chinese actions, decide whether it is appropriate to attend," McCain said. "If Chinese policies and practices do not change, I would not attend the opening ceremonies."

Like McCain, Obama left some wiggle room. "If China is able over the next several months to take concrete steps to address some of these issues, obviously, then a president could reconsider," Obama said.

Sen. Hillary Clinton, Obama's Democratic rival, has called on Bush to not attend the opening ceremonies.

Obama's position puts him at odds with Mayor Richard Daley, who said this week he opposes any boycott of this summer's Games because of politics. The mayor, with Obama's backing, is trying to bring the 2016 Games to Chicago.

Obama's comments came as he campaigned in Gary ahead of Indiana's primary.

As Obama worked the state's northwest corner, Clinton sent former President Bill Clinton to campaign in southern Indiana.